Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces which melts and fuses them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join steel beams in the construction of buildings, bridges and other structures, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants and refineries.
Sheet metal welders work on large-scale projects, custom projects or large shop-built modules. In this field, you may make the machines used in automotive assembly or food processing plants. On the other hand, you may find yourself working on a specialized installation almost anywhere in the world, such as a nuclear power plant or high-tech factory. The projects you will work on last for years and enhance the quality of life for many people.
Welders work in a wide variety of industries. The work that welders do and the equipment they use vary with the industry. There are more than 100 different processes that a welder can use. The type of weld is usually determined by the types of metals being joined and the conditions under which the welding is to take place.
Our Careers
Take a look at some of the job areas SMART is proud to represent!
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Architectural Sheet Metal -
Architectural Sheet Metal
Architectural sheet metal is a combination of technical skill and artistry. As an apprentice, you will specialize in fastening and joining, managing expansion and contraction, sealing and controlling moisture to ensure the appearance and durability of buildings. You may spend […] - Bus Operators & Mechanics
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Bus Operators & Mechanics
Bus operator and mechanic duties vary, depending on whether they drive or work on local buses in cities and suburbs, intercity buses, long-distance buses between states, charter buses on tours or school buses. When drivers report to terminals to get their assignments, they in […] - CAD, Drafting & Detailing
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CAD, Drafting & Detailing
Sheet metal detailing, also known as sketching, is often thought of as CAD (computer-aided drafting). A certified detailer is a skilled commercial HVAC trade person who will advance to provide coordination between the fabricators and the installers from various trades. You wi […] - Freight Rail
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Freight Rail
SMART TD, with more than 450 locals in the U.S., has more members than any other railroad labor union and holds some of the best freight rail contracts in North America. It is the only labor union that has united various operating crafts while protecting craft autonomy and ha […] - HVAC Installation
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HVAC Installation
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In this field, you will work on high-volume mechanical systems. These systems deliver heated and cooled air to commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals, airports, factories and office buildings.You’ll wo […] - HVAC Shop/Fabrication
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HVAC Shop/Fabrication
Sheet metal workers sometimes exclusively, or in conjunction with field installation work, will fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes and furnace casings. Work may involve setting up and operating […] - Lagging
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Lagging
Lagging is the finishing material (such as steel, aluminum or other materials) used to cover many types of insulation, especially on large flat surfaces such as boiler walls, flues, ducts, precipitators, selective catalytic reduction systems, baghouses, wind boxes or fans. In […] - Passenger Rail
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Passenger Rail
SMART represents workers on Amtrak, the largest passenger rail operator in the United States, as well as other smaller regional and local passenger carriers. Rail remains one of the most sustainable and efficient ways of safely transporting travelers to their destination, and […] - Production / Manufacturing
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Production / Manufacturing
Production and manufacturing is the creation or production of goods from components or raw material with the help of equipment, labor, machines and tools. The term may refer to a range of work, from handcraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, […] - Rail Mechanical
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Rail Mechanical
Union sheet metal members work in freight and passenger rail transportation, including commuter railroads. They maintain and rebuild locomotives that move freight, long-distance passenger train equipment and equipment used in commuter rail service. Additionally, members of th […] - Residential HVAC
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Residential HVAC
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As a residential HVAC technician, you will work on installing and servicing complete residential HVAC systems. You’ll install ductwork for a wide variety of residences including single-family homes, town homes […] - Service and Refrigeration
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Service and Refrigeration
Almost everything we do indoors depends on a working heating and cooling system. These systems make buildings comfortable and safe. Demand for skilled technicians in this specialized field is high. As a service and refrigeration technician, you’ll work on a variety of job sit […] - Roofing
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Roofing
A roofer is a skilled tradesperson who installs a waterproof membrane on a building that has either a flat or sloped deck consisting of wood, steel or concrete. They may specialize in residential or industrial roofing. The most commonly used roofing product is a layer of asph […] - Shipyard
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Shipyard
SMART members perform work in shipyards from coast to coast, including Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi. Most, but not all, of the ships that members work on are vessels for the U.S. Navy. We build new ships from the ground up, and we also perfor […] - Sign Fabrication & Installation
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Sign Fabrication & Installation
As a sign hanger and builder, your job includes installing, mounting, servicing and repairing signs in commercial, industrial and high-rise residential settings. Your duties include preparing poles, buildings, billboards and other structures for installations, and then mounti […] - Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency (TAB)
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Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency (TAB)
Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) is an important part of air and water delivery systems. TAB technicians make sure that air and water in heating and air conditioning systems are delivered efficiently, quietly and safely throughout a building. As a TAB technician, you w […]Learn more about Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency (TAB) »
- Transit & Commuter Rail
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Transit & Commuter Rail
SMART represents workers on a number of major regional transit providers, including light and heavy rail carriers in major metropolitan areas nationwide. Rail remains one of the most sustainable and efficient ways of safely transporting travelers to their destination, and nat […] - Industrial and Shop Welding
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Industrial and Shop Welding
Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces which melts and fuses them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace an […] - Yardmaster
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Yardmaster
Yardmasters are the traffic controllers of the yards and terminals in the railroad industry. Using computers and supervising switching equipment in the yard tower, they route trains and engines within the yard. The yardmaster reads switching orders and schedules to determine […]
We Train the Best Welders
Take the next step on your journey towards a rewarding career. Learn how you can become a SMART member.